Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 21, 1994 TAG: 9408120010
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When track officials proposed inverting the top qualifiers in the Limited Sportsmen field based upon a draw by the pole winner, the drivers staged a job action. Ten of the 13 drivers refused to qualify because they didn't want the fastest qualifying car starting amy where but first in the line-up.
The Limited drivers were against inverting the field because of the cost of racing in their division (which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars) and the lack of time to move through a highly competitive field (35 laps).
Thus when When Limited qualifying was scheduled to begin, the only car on pit road belonged to Dublin's Ronnie Byrd. Soon he was joined by points-leader Charlie Miles of Christiansburg. A couple of minutes later, John Curtis of Christiansburg pulled out from his pit and made a qualifying run.
But when qualifying closed, they were the only drivers who had taken their runs. The other drivers didn't move toward the track. A few even prepared their cars for a trip home without racing.
However confrontation was replaced by compromise. After a hastily-called meeting between drivers and track officials, it was decided that the field would not be inverted this week.
The 10 drivers who had not qualified during the regular session would be allowed their two laps around the track. But they would start behind the trio who qualified during the regular session. Thus Miles started on the pole even though Rock Harris was slightly faster (88.6 vs. 88.3 mph).
That was also the way they finished. Seven-time winner Harris got by Byrd (who later wrecked) and Curtis (who ended up third) but couldn't pass Miles.
YOUNG AND FAST: One of the most promising young drivers at Franklin County Speedway is Rookie racer Travis Sharpe, 13.
Travis, who lives in Bassett, is entering the ninth grade. He turns 14 in September. He has won six races this year and is fifth in the points standings.
SATURDAY AT THE TRACKS:It will be Ladies Night at New River Valley Speedway for the New River Pontiac, GMC, Nissan 200 which will feature a 100-lapper for the Late Models.
Gates open at 2 p.m. with racing starting at 8. Admission is $10 for men but just $5 for women and $1 for children 12-and-under.
nIt's the Roph0 Sales 300 at Franklin County Speedway with a 75-lap Late Model Feature.
Gates open at noon with racing starting at 8. Admission is $5 for adults and children 10-and-under are free.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB